AN arts quarter should be developed in Darlington to boost the town's economy, according to the borough's regeneration chiefs.

And plans are being considered which could lead to an Edinburgh- style cultural festival being held in the town on a regular basis.

Members of the Darlington Partnership - which brings together private, public, voluntary and community sectors charged with leading the town's revival - believe the idea could make it a more attractive place to live for professionals who would drive the local economy.

The partnership is divided into six task groups which aim to come up with innovative plans which could improve life for the borough's 100,000 population.

Barclays Bank manager Mike Airey, chairman of the economy group, said: "We need to look at the town centre fringe, around the Civic Theatre and The Forum, for instance. We could have an arts quarter there.

"In fact, why not have a fringe festival and intercept people going north for the Edinburgh Festival and have them in our town enjoying events for a week."

Mr Airey said Darlington's geographical location and transport links make it easily accessible to the rest of the country.

He said the A66 dual carriageway improvements and the Eastern Transport Corridor project will ease congestion which could otherwise put off professionals and businesses from moving to the town.

The Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace, recently benefited from a multi-million pound refurbishment which saw the creation of a 100-seat studio theatre, a plaza, water sculpture, improved foyer, gallery and better parking facilities.

The venue attracts more than 171,000 visitors a year.

This year, the Civic Theatre celebrates its centenary.

Over the past 100 years, the venue has hosted performances by legends of the stage and screen, including Charlie Chaplin, Tommy Cooper, Dame Vera Lynn and Mickey Rooney.

Darlington Partnership chairman Alasdair MacConachie said the plans for an arts quarter were part of a raft of ambitious ideas which could give the area's economy a boost.

"The foundations are already in place," he said.

"Darlington has a unique identity and everyone who lives here is fiercely proud of the borough.

"But there is no room for complacency.

We must continue to drive forward, ensuring Darlington remains the best place in the region in which to live and work."